I am sure you have heard about alkaline water and its list of potential health benefits.
Of course, one of these benefits is it can help acid reflux and more importantly LPR in our case.
It seems logical that drinking alkaline water can and will help with acid reflux by simply lowering the acidity of the stomach though for LPR it is a little more complicated than just that. Let me explain why.
Alkaline Water for LPR – Introduction
If you didn’t already know LPR is mostly caused by a thing called pepsin. Pepsin is basically a digestive enzyme that is made in the stomach and is used primarily to help digest proteins.
As you may imagine when you reflux acid up when you have LPR, pepsin also comes up with this acid and it is the main cause for LPR symptoms.
The thing with pepsin is that is once it enters the throat, nose and even ears it tries to digest the throat cells as it would any protein and this is what leads to symptoms in the first place.
The reason I must first explain this is because alkaline water can play an important role in neutralizing this pepsin. Let me explain further.
When pepsin enters the throat as I already mentioned it causes problems. The thing with pepsin is that even after all the bad effects it can cause in the throat it can lay dormant in the throat based on early research for up to 1-2 days’ time.
Why this matters is because of pepsins interaction with acidic foods and drinks. If you eat or drink something that is more acidic then the pepsin reactivates more.
Generally speaking, the more acidic the food or drink you take that passes over the throat – that reactivates the pepsin more. The graph below shows it more accurately.
As you can see food or drinks that have a pH of 8 don’t reactivate the pepsin at all, and this is where alkaline water comes in. Believe it or not, not only does alkaline water not reactivate the pepsin but it will neutralize pepsin in the throat! Which means it can’t be reactivated again.
So, when you drink alkaline water and if you have pepsin in your throat etc. like a typical LPR sufferer then it will be deactivated for good.
What it Really Means?
So, as I have explained the main benefit for someone with LPR is that the alkaline water deactivates the pepsin in the throat. Also, you get the alkalizing effect in the stomach which is also a benefit of alkaline water for acid reflux and for GERD.
So basically, yes it can help but it really won’t be of much use if you aren’t treating the root cause of actually stopping the acid and pepsin coming up. It can neutralize the pepsin but if you are still refluxing the pepsin its benefit will almost be negligible.
So, what I am recommending is treating the root cause and stopping the acid from coming up. How I recommend you do this is by following a controlled low acid diet schedule like the Wipeout Diet Plan and also taking Gaviscon Advance (UK version) you can read more about why Gaviscon Advance is the best Gaviscon.
If you are treating the root cause like that and the acid isn’t refluxing or to a lesser extent, then drinking the alkaline water will definitely be worthwhile to do.
What Alkaline Water Do I Choose?
The alkaline water you want to choose should have a pH level of at least 8 but ideally higher than that if you can find one.
There is a selection of options when it comes to alkaline water. From making your own alkaline water to buying bottled alkaline water from the source there a selection of options. Let me cover them in more detail now.
Bottled Water
Of course, the best choice when it comes to alkaline water is water that is bottled and is alkaline. Simply just look for a water than has a pH of over 8. Higher is better and more alkaline. This is the best option but also the most expensive. This Essentia Water is a good example. For more on bottled water check our article – Can Bottled Water Cause Acid Reflux.
Drops
Believe it or not there are drops that you can add to your water that make it more alkaline. It is relatively simple – you just add a certain number of drops for an amount of water and shake or stir it up. This will make the water more alkaline. I have personally used these alkaline drops.
Baking Soda
The last option is to add baking soda to your water and stir it up. Really this choice is not a long-term solution and should only be done until you get access to one of the other options, mainly because of the high sodium content if doing it regularly. You can read more about dosage and how to take it here –Baking Soda for Heartburn.
How to Know your Water is Actually Alkaline?
Well any water that has a pH of 8 or above is alkaline and that is exactly what you want to aim for. The thing is you won’t know for sure unless you check the pH yourself.
It is quite common even when you buy bottled water that it says it has a pH of 8.0 on the bottle (at source) and when you test it yourself it turns out to be a 7.0 pH. Therefore, you must test it yourself to know for certain.
The best way to test the pH is by using an electronic pH meter like this one. The other option that you may have seen or heard of before is pH strips but simply put these are not accurate enough. That is why I recommend you go for an electronic pH meter instead.
Alkaline Water for Silent Reflux – Conclusion
Overall, I think drinking alkaline water for LPR (silent reflux) can help but you must first be following the other steps to get the best benefit from drinking the alkaline water and this is exactly what I want recommend that you do!
If you need more advice or guidance on alkaline water or anything related to acid reflux consider a private consultation here.
I have recently been diagnosed with LPR, doctor has me taking Prilosec, two capsules daily for 3 weeks. Prior to the diagnosis, I have been having coughing fits during the day and many during the night, since May of this year. I am researching LPR to find the right solution for me.
Hey Angie,
Best of luck, have a look around my site and perhaps you will find some useful information 🙂
Hi David, when I drink the alkaline water my throat seems to burn more, why is that? As I thought it should deactivate the pepsin. Thanks
Hi Shannon, it’s hard to say for sure. The first thing that comes to mind it perhaps you have alkaline reflux, so the spray may not help. Or perhaps it could be related to the water and the bicarbonate of soda that you used.
i have read that alkaline water should not be drunk with food. are you of that opinion as well and when is the best time to drink it?
Ideally you are best to drink 15-30 minutes before eating. I think its better to not drink too much water when you are eating because this can further bloat the stomach and increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Though I think a little water during your meal is quite fine (alkaline water included).
I think I may have LPR? I have noticed symptoms over the last several months. Now I am on Nexium for 14 days, but read that alkaline water would help? I really do not want to take Nexium.
Yes it can help as explained but of course it’s not the only or best solution but more a nice addition to aid and perhaps speed up healing.
I havent been diagnosed with lpr yet. But i have a feeling that i have it. Ive been diagnosed at 2015 for gastritis, hiatal hernia, and type C esophagitis because of acid reflux. I really had problems back than heartburn alot and so much cought that made me vomit, got cleared within a month with a diet. Now 3 weeks ago it started i have sore thorat, hoarness, and a lot of throat clearing, also have a feeling there is something stuck in there. Ive called doctor he prescribed me nexium 40mg twice per day and ursofalk 1 time per day before sleep. Ive been using it for 16 days. And i dont see any improvment. Constant thorat clearing like every minute is annoying my throat hurts and i really dont know what to do anymore. Ive tried sipping water when i have a need tk cleat but i just cant hold it back. Everything i eat it starts even the pill in the morning. Even if i dont eat i start clearing my throat. Today im starting with vegetable soup. Im going to eat vegetable soup 5 times per day. Im lost i dont know what to eat anymore and it is hard not so see any improvment in 16 days 🙁 should i buy alkaline drops or you have any other advice. Thank you so much for any answer.
Hey Maja,
My advice is a low acid diet like the one I created here – Wipeout Diet and also taking Gaviscon Advance (uk version) after meals and before bedtime. PPI’s have been medically proven to not work for LPR so it’s no surprise they haven’t helped you. The alkaline drops can help though the other advice is much higher priority to do first.
Hi David, my doctor has just suggested the alkaline water. I have seen you should start drinking the water gradually as can give you Tummy trouble?
Sue
Hi Sue,
If you want to be on the safe side you can. Though I can’t imagine it giving tummy trouble at all.
Does organic coconut water help? I think it is also one kind of alkaline water?
It’s okay, I wouldn’t say it helps but it doesn’t hurt unless it’s a trigger for you.
I have found hemp milk to be soothing. Have you looked into it?
Ann
I haven’t but I can see why it might be. As it’s likely alkaline and also the affect of the hemp too.
Hello, I have had crazy ear pain, sinus issues and throat issues for the past year. ENT specialist’s can’t find the cause and say that structurally I am fine. I have tried PPI’s for two months with no success. Have you seen people with sinus issues and LPR as the root cause? Thank you.
Hi Martin,
Yeah as I have mentioned before, the PPIs don’t really help LPR at all. I assume the ENT says this mainly due to lack of knowledge and experience on his part. All them symptoms match up with LPR, and to confirm the sinus issues are definitely related.
Hello, I was recently diagnosed with GERD. An endoscopy revealed there is also gastritis and esophagitis. My doctor put me on Nexium (20mg once a day) and then Pantoprazole 2x times a day. I had to stop both because of a severe burning reaction. He then switched me to Famotadine 40mg twice a day. As soon as I took it I experienced the same reaction, a foul taste and severe burning. I found your blog a couple of days ago. I purchased the Esophageal Guardian, Essentia Water and another product called Iberogast. I have been taking the Esophageal Guardian 3x’s a day along with the Iberogast. This seems to be the only thing that has helped me. Thank you for pushing me and others in the right direction for better health. My question is this. Is it safe to take Esophageal Guardian 3x’s a day. I haven’t experienced any side effects, but wanted to make sure that it’s safe. Again, thank you for taking the time to write this blog that is helping so many of us get off PPI’s, as they are doing more damage than good.
Jean in the United States
Hi Jean,
Yeah I can a similar experience with the PPIs not working either. For the Esophageal Guardian it’s recommended 1 tablet per day so 3 may be a bit much yes. I would suggest to you to try Reflux gourmet (US) instead with can be taken more regularly after meals and at bedtime instead.
Hi
I am busy taking PPI,s as we speak for LPR and wondering if I could take alkaline water aswell?
Thanks
Hi Mark,
Yes you can take the alkaline water alongside the PPIs, though keep in mind PPIs have been shown to not help LPR in studies for the most part.
Hi David,
I am following your wipeout diet.
Once you ve eaten, how long after is it ok to start to drink water?
Thanks
It’s a good idea not to drink too much liquid or water when eating because it may expand the stomach more. Ideally I would suggest not to drink for 1 hour after eating. What I do, is when I finish eating I may have a little sip of water and then I don’t drink for a while after as suggested.
Hi why is gaviscon Advance better than Gaviscon double action .also can I ever stop getting acid reflux burning my Oesophagus , i have a hiatus hernia , have changed diet not over weight, ,cannot take medication to many side effects .
It’s to do with the sodium alginate I believe there is more alginate in the Gaviscon advance. And thats the most important ingredient.
Hi which water should I buy for acid reflux , just alkaline or alkaline ionised . Also I’ve heard that aloe Vera juice is good for acid reflux what do you think ,
I would personally opt for just alkaline not ionized because it’s natural mainly. I think Aloe vera can help but you need to make sure to only drink one with no additives. It can also cause some people to use the bathroom more so it’s a good idea to just take in small amounts at least when starting.
I heard on Doctor Radio using alkaline water as a throat spray will help break down pepsin in the throat and help with throat clearing. Any comments on how or when to use? Would using before bedtime harm my teeth?
That should help yes. The times it makes most sense to take if after meals and at bedtime. It shouldn’t harm your teeth is should actually help protect them from the acid.
Could you clarify the best time to take the water? In the beginning you said 15 to 30 minutes before meals and then above say best to take after meals. thank you for the clarification
Generally you should be drinking it regularly throughout the day. I would just suggest not to drink a lot when eating as it may bloat the stomach more so. Also it’s a good idea to not drink a lot soon before bed.
Also, is all the water you drink during the day alkaline? Or just at certain times. Thanks!
You don’t have to but it may help symptoms more so if you do.
Hi David.
I’ve recently started using alkaline water and making dietary changes because I believe I have LPR. I’ve heard that if you drink too much Alkaline water, it could cause kidney issues. Is this a possibility. Thanks.
Hey Jason, no there is nothing to be concerned about when it comes to alkaline water.